[A Sea of Red]

We have to stop and remind ourselves where we are, who we are, and where we’ve come from.

Scheduling is like the stock market - you buy low and sell high. When we first entered FBS, everyone wanted to play us because our stock value was low. We were seen as an easy FBS win. Now that we’ve seen tremendous success, our stock has been like a wild child flying to the moon. Nobody wants to buy us because we’re more expensive and some don’t want the risk.

We also have to remember who we are. Numerous schools will not play us because we’re Liberty (including Notre Dame)Even more are reluctant to play us because of who we are and would prefer to play a different top G5.

People don’t want to lose to little ol’ Liberty. It’s a fact and they won’t schedule us. Many schools get flack from their fans just for scheduling us. Why would they even take that risk? Instead they will schedule one of the other top G5s.

We are 6 years into FBS. We’ve made a bowl game every year. We made a NY6 bowl game. We’ve been ranked in the top 25 in 3 years. After decades of searching, we found a conference that was willing to accept us. We enter this season as the betting favorite to earn the G5 spot in the CFP.

I’m incredibly thankful for the leadership that has gotten us to this point. Am I disappointed that we don’t get to play a P4 this year or next year or the year after? Of course. But I’m also not going to let it get me down. I’m thrilled to be playing App State, ECU, JMU, etc. Thise are games I used to only dream of. I’m thankful to be in a conference that wants us and gives us a path to the CFP. I’m thankful for an admin that works their butt off to try to get the best schedule they can for us to compete for a CFP spot.

We will eventually turn the corner on scheduling. Until then, I will enjoy the journey. It’s been a meteoric rise the past 6-7 years with no end in sight.

[Kricket]

I agree 99% of what you said above. The difference I see is that playing App State and JMU happened when we were FCS. If those are the best games on our schedule that we “dream” of I’m afraid we haven’t progressed that far on the scheduling front. Most weren’t dreaming of playing JMU when we moved up. Most were hoping to leave them in the dust.

I think the frustration is that we have progressed in so many ways only to be somewhat stuck with a schedule that feels only a notch or two above the Big South.

I do agree that the admin is likely doing their best. People don’t want to play us, etc. We have loads to be thankful for. Full stop.

Let’s be real though, our schedule is not something that I think fans should be thankful for right now outside of the fact that every game is winnable and we’re FBS.

[paradox]

I think everyone will be content if they run the table with this schedule. But, not the most probable outcome because it's likely never been done before, on this level, back to back. But if anyone can, it's Chadwell. Who else has gone undefeated, on this level, twice, with two different teams? And if he pulls it off again this year, that would be 3 times in 5 years. Easy schedule or not, this would be quite a feat.

[Humble_Opinion]

I think everyone will be content if they run the table with this schedule. But, not the most probable outcome because it's likely never been done before, on this level, back to back. But if anyone can, it's Chadwell. Who else has gone undefeated, on this level, twice, with two different teams? And if he pulls it off again this year, that would be 3 times in 5 years. Easy schedule or not, this would be quite a feat.

Some of the responsibility for the success this year will rely on things that are out of the coaching staffs hands. We appear to be much deeper across the board this year, but last year's success was driven in part by our ability to stay healthy for most of the year. The OL suffered no real setbacks... our RBs and WRs were good and Kaidon stayed healthy. Hopefully, we are blessed with the same level of health this year.

[BlueBlood]

We need to get a game at Hawaii on the schedule. There is a lot of exposure to be had week zero. The CFB universe is currently in night-before-Christmas mode - and all eyes will be watching the same four games tomorrow. Folks who would never normally watch New Mexico or Nevada will be overjoyed to see them tomorrow.

I want some of that.

Plus, an early game is probably better for LU anyway. I've watched the Thanksgiving break take its toll on LU attendance year after year now. As a private school with mostly out-of-state students and a far-flung alumni base, LU just isn't built for it.

[cruzan_flame13]

We need to get a game at Hawaii on the schedule. There is a lot of exposure to be had week zero. The CFB universe is currently in night-before-Christmas mode - and all eyes will be watching the same four games tomorrow. Folks who would never normally watch New Mexico or Nevada will be overjoyed to see them tomorrow.

I want some of that.

Plus, an early game is probably better for LU anyway. I've watched the Thanksgiving break take its toll on LU attendance year after year now. As a private school with mostly out-of-state students and a far-flung alumni base, LU just isn't built for it.

Isn't one of the top states students are from is Virginia?

[tyndal23]

The media has started really hammering LU schedule - Even Josh Pate changed his G5 playoff pick stating the CFP wouldn’t and shouldn’t reward such an easy schedule and a 2 loss G5 will take it. Look for a lot of “voters” to keep us down in the polls as long as possible following the media herd dictated narrative. The good news is, I have heard Liberty mentioned more the past month than 10 years cumulative of past seasons. Great to be hated.

[Tothehoopyall1]

The media has started really hammering LU schedule - Even Josh Pate changed his G5 playoff pick stating the CFP wouldn’t and shouldn’t reward such an easy schedule and a 2 loss G5 will take it. Look for a lot of “voters” to keep us down in the polls as long as possible following the media herd dictated narrative. The good news is, I have heard Liberty mentioned more the past month than 10 years cumulative of past seasons. Great to be hated.

I agree with you. However, if we consistently start to beating teams with high scoring wins and consistently start to shut teams down, I think this changes the perception people have of us. However, if we barely beat some teams on a consistent basis with the schedule we are playing , this becomes very telling as to what will happen in the playoffs (as was the case last year). Our offense will be good but can our defense start shutting teams down? This is the big question going into this season as far as I’m concerned.

[tyndal23]

The media has started really hammering LU schedule - Even Josh Pate changed his G5 playoff pick stating the CFP wouldn’t and shouldn’t reward such an easy schedule and a 2 loss G5 will take it. Look for a lot of “voters” to keep us down in the polls as long as possible following the media herd dictated narrative. The good news is, I have heard Liberty mentioned more the past month than 10 years cumulative of past seasons. Great to be hated.

I agree with you. However, if we consistently start to beating teams with high scoring wins and consistently start to shut teams down, I think this changes the perception people have of us. However, if we barely beat some teams on a consistent basis with the schedule we are playing , this becomes very telling as to what will happen in the playoffs (as was the case last year). Our offense will be good but can our defense start shutting teams down? This is the big question going into this season as far as I’m concerned.

I agree. Style points will matter - however I am not losing sleep over 13-0 - ridiculous to have those expectations ( yet somehow my left brain will have those expectations after Campbell ).

[flameshaw]

One has to remember that CCU was ALWAYS overrated and played a very weak schedule. I don't believe it is particularly because of Chadwell either. We have been forced to play a weaker schedule, because of all the realignment. I am certain that Ian and staff want to play a tougher schedule. We just haven't had a lot of options. Seven more days.

[tyndal23]

One has to remember that CCU was ALWAYS overrated and played a very weak schedule. I don't believe it is particularly because of Chadwell either. We have been forced to play a weaker schedule, because of all the realignment. I am certain that Ian and staff want to play a tougher schedule. We just haven't had a lot of options. Seven more days.

CCU beat Kansas on National TV week 1 during Covid when no one else was playing, had the Marty & McGee crew blowing them up and then upset BYU with Gameday for an epic season. I have no complaints about how high they were rated, just that they were rated way over LU with our VT, Syracuse wins and 1 point NC St. loss - then stayed 5 ahead of us after we beat them in a bowl. Chadwell had little to do with the hype. We were also fortunate to play in empty stadiums and get those wins - worked out for everyone. We have a chip and a chair - shuffle up and deal.

[alabama24]

Isn't one of the top states students are from is Virginia?

I’m sure it is, but that doesn’t mean that most students still aren’t from other states.

(I have no idea what the stats are)

[alabama24]

Isn't one of the top states students are from is Virginia?

I’m sure it is, but that doesn’t mean that most students still aren’t from other states.

(I have no idea what the stats are)

I have no reason to trust these numbers, but the website below suggests that about 28% of LU students are from Virginia and that “ The majority of the Liberty University students who live in the U.S. are from Virginia. Student location diversity is higher than average.”

No idea how accurate. If accurate, no idea what year. No idea if residential only.



Link: https://www.collegefactual.com/colleges ... 20Virginia.

[BlueBlood]

Wow. Did not expect my statement that the majority of LU students come from out-of-state to be controversial.

Anyway, the point of my post was that I'd really like to see LU get in on week zero. There is substantial exposure there. There were only 4 FBS games and a lot of CFB-starved fans watched games they normally would not. Even folks who would normally turn the dial because they can't stand LU might not - because there literally isn't another game to turn to.

[LUOrange]

I don't know who's available Week 1 in 2025, but I'd be looking to dump Maine for another G5 if possible. Until CUSA improves statistically and/or we can add some P4's, we don't need to play any FCS schools. Playing HI would be fun, but even better is that we could add another game, even if it's against a MAC or an FCS (only in a 13 game regular season).

[BlueBlood]

Ole Miss just found out they need a game Sept 13 next year. LU currently has an away game at Bowling Green scheduled that day. Time for some wheeling and dealing?

[JK37]

Why?

[Purple Haize]

Ole Miss just found out they need a game Sept 13 next year. LU currently has an away game at Bowling Green scheduled that day. Time for some wheeling and dealing?

That would be a good trade off. I could use another trip to Memphis

[BlueBlood]

Why?

Many of us would like to get a P5 game on next year’s schedule.

[BlueBlood]

Oh - I think I might have misunderstood the “why”

Wake Forest just canceled on them.

[JK37]

Dang, Wake! They beat you on your homecoming, so you immediately buyout the return trip? Thats cold.

[ballcoach15]

We need some Power 4 or P5 games, regardless of who it is.

[JK37]

They’re all afraid of us

[Ill flame]

Dang, Wake! They beat you on your homecoming, so you immediately buyout the return trip? Thats cold.

They reportedly made this decision earlier in the week and it only just now became official for whatever reason. Seems like it would've been PR to announce it before the loss.

[LUOrange]

Dang, Wake! They beat you on your homecoming, so you immediately buyout the return trip? Thats cold.

They reportedly made this decision earlier in the week and it only just now became official for whatever reason. Seems like it would've been PR to announce it before the loss.

Wake announced their decision to axe our contract on Thursday before our Saturday game. If they keep this up, they'll have a a tough go on non-conference games, and it certainly can't help them if the proverbial collapse of the ACC actually happens.